The Lost Story
I was in the wilderness and I was lost. But what is lost when I have nowhere I call home, except that I feel something different now. Feeling lost must mean there is something, some place to find. Hopeless must mean there is hope, somewhere. There were others, I wasn’t alone, but no one had a plan; no one had a place, a place to call home except that wilderness.
Then, I met someone different. How I knew, I don’t know, but I knew He was different. He seemed to have a place, a home, a Father. That’s when I really felt lost. I really saw my sorry situation. But He not only had the answer, He was willing to share the answer. A map that showed me where I was, lost, and where home is, a very different place. I saw this on the map, but which way do I go? Which direction? He then handed me a compass. Now I see where to turn and where home is. Now I am not lost and now I also know where to turn; homeward bound! This changed everything. I am still standing in the same place, but now I have turned the right direction and I am facing my home. I am facing my Father! I have a journey ahead, but I also have a purpose. And I am not alone. My new friend, my companion is by my side. He is leading me and walking alongside me; my Guide. I owe all this, this wonderful gift, to Him, my Companion, my Guide. This gift costs me nothing, yet it also costs me everything. In my worthless state, He requires I give up all and follow Him. Give up all. But I actually have nothing. So I give up everything for this free gift.
I take my first step, my first steps toward home. Each step has so much meaning now. No more wandering, I am heading home. Yes, I am still deep in the woods, but I know where I am and I know where I am going. The same people surround me. I tell them I know where we are and where we need to be. Some listen, some are suspicious, some challenge my sanity. I cannot drag them; they must trust and join in the journey freely. Some happen to be walking in the same direction, but they seem to be wandering just the same. Something is missing. They seem to be following independently. They still trust in themselves.
I know my life is changed. I am not following my own path, I am following the path I see on this map, determined by the direction of this compass. It is becoming a bit clearer now. Still, there are hills, some steep. There are also distractions, but I now have a mission greater than myself. Stay focused. Others are with me and we now travel together with a common goal. We encourage one another and keep each other from stumbling.
Now I know that I do not belong to the wilderness. This is not my home. I am now simply passing through and helping others do the same. Oh, the joy and anticipation of our eventual arrival Home!
David has enjoyed a 40+ year career as technical support in national defense until his retirement at the end of 2023. He has also served as chaplain support in Virginia since 2011, first in the Prince William Adult Detention Center until 2019 and now at Coffeewood Correctional Facility beginning in 2021. All that along with guiding a legacy of 20+ grandchildren. David feels a deep calling to walk alongside the forgotten and rejected, helping inmates find their way back and discover their purpose
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